Thursday, May 1, 2025
“Brilliant” was an oft-repeated sentiment as recent visitors from Northern Ireland to Pennsylvania College of Technology discussed the time they spent on campus and in the region.
Ten students and two faculty members from North West Regional College in Derry spent two weeks in April attending Penn College classes, touring local industry and visiting area attractions.
“I always wanted to come to America, and it didn’t disappoint,” said Andrew Moore, who is studying electrical at NWRC. “Everyone here has been so welcoming.”
In addition to Moore, the contingent comprised electrical students Oisin Casey, Eoghan Barbour, Kealan McGurk and Oisin McGlinchey; and welding students Shea Doyle, Casey-Leigh Johnston, Jack McLaughlin, Ryan McLaughlin and David Moore. They were accompanied by welding instructor Shannon Cartin and electrical instructor John McFadden.
“I was over the moon,” said Doyle of learning he was selected.
In addition to spending time in the college’s “massive” welding lab and electrical facilities, the group explored other parts of campus and Penn State’s main campus, as well as local industry, thanks to tours provided by NRG Controls, PMF Industries and West Pharmaceutical Services.
“The automation and robotics opened my eyes,” McGlinchey said. “The way they’re teaching here is very progressive.”
Barbour noted that he saw a lot that he hadn’t been exposed to before – like injection molding. “The college lifestyle here is far different from back home,” he said. “It seems like you have great opportunities.”
The group also took a hike to explore the area’s natural beauty, and had outings at local stores (particularly those selling Carhartt clothing), restaurants and other attractions.
They summed up their trip with praise for the friendliness they encountered and plans for more travel.
“You made us feel at home, even though we are 3,000 miles away from home,” Cartin said.
Asked about life lessons they can’t wait to take back home, Ryan McLaughlin, who called the visit to the U.S. a “massive opportunity” he never thought he’d get, responded: “When growing up, I never got to travel. Going back home, I need to travel more.”
“Travel makes me the most happy I’ve ever been. It’s good to get out and see the world,” Andrew Moore, who travels frequently, said.
This is the third year a group from North West Regional College has made a visit to Penn College. The college consists of five campuses in Northern Ireland and enrolls over 10,000 students, studying a range of vocational and non-vocational subjects.
For information about Penn College, a national leader in applied technology education, email the Admissions Office or call toll-free 800-367-9222.
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